Omaha.com - Underwood 4th-Graders Implore Rep. Young to Name a National Pizza

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By Scott Stewart

Rep. David Young spent part of his congressional recess Monday morning reading to and answering questions from fourth-graders at Underwood Elementary School.

Perhaps the most unusual request came from students who asked him to sponsor a bill to institute a national pizza. Their recommendation? Taco pizza.

"I don't think it is a good use of our time to deliberate a national pizza," Young said at the risk of disappointing the future voters.

Students also asked him to bring President Barack Obama to the school, which earned a suggestion from Young that they participate in their government by writing to an elected official.

"You should all sign a letter to the White House and ask him," Young said.

As Sen. Chuck Grassley's former chief of staff, Young said he did meet Obama when the president was a senator. A moment later, a student asked if he was friends with Obama.

"We're not buddies," Young said. "But we're not enemies. We don't really know each other."

Brody Paxton, 9, was one of several fourth-graders quizzing him as their schoolmates from other classes joined them.

"Oh, I have a good question: Are you a Democrat or a Republican?" he asked.

Young, who's a Republican, answered, and he quickly was asked a follow-up by another student.

"No, I am not running for president," he said.

Young, who represents Iowa's third district, read the children the book "House Mouse, Senate Mouse," telling the tale (or perhaps "tail," given the book's penchant for rodent puns) of passing a bill designating a national cheese.

He explained how bills become laws, how the three branches of government work together and the role Congress plays in the political process. He encouraged students to consider running for office, whether that's class president or a national position, if they are asked.

After answering questions, Young held a brief signing surrounded by about 18 fourth-graders, donating a copy of the picture book to the school's library. The students continued peppering him with questions, such as "Can you make me famous?" and "Can I have a hundred bucks?"

"Work hard and be nice," Young offered in reply.

The congressman said he enjoys taking time to visit young people and answer questions about serving in the House of Representatives.

"It just reminds you why you're doing it," he said. "It just energizes you."

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